TAXILA: Around 2,200 Sikh pilgrims from India on Baisakhi celebration Wednesday departed for Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur after participating in Baisakhi celebrations at Gurdwara Panja Sahib.

They were seen off by Additional Secretary Shrines of the Evacuee Trust Property Board, Nasir Mushtaq, who personally oversaw the security arrangements for the pilgrims’ safe departure.

Strong contingents of elite police commandos were deployed, while the pilgrims travelled in three well-organised convoys under strict security protocols.

Enhanced security measures were enforced along all routes, and designated rest areas were exclusively reserved for the pilgrims, temporarily restricting public access to maintain sanctity and safety.Prior to departure, Sardar Surjit Singh, Jatha leader of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, expressed heartfelt satisfaction over the arrangements.

Speaking to the media, he noted with appreciation that Sikh holy sites in Pakistan are safe, well-preserved, and maintained in their original sanctity.

He commended the authorities for providing exemplary facilities, including accommodation, healthcare, and transportation, enabling the pilgrims to perform their religious rituals with ease and devotion.

As per the pilgrimage schedule, pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Rori Sahib on April 17 before proceeding to Lahore, where they will stay at Gurdwara Dera Sahib.

The pilgrims are scheduled to return to India via the Wagah Border on April 19.

Published in Dawn, April 16th, 2026